Liberty in advanced talks to acquire UTS

Liberty Latin America is in advanced talks with the government of Curaçao to acquire fixed and mobile telecom provider UTS, the Curaçao Chronicle reported citing sources within Liberty.

According to the report, the government has not yet decided on what percentage of the operator to sell.

The government is being advised by a special commission, under the direction of former Central Bank director Alberto Romero, according to telecoms minister Zita Jesus-Leito.

According to Telegeography, the government of Curaçao holds an 87.5% stake in UTS, which uses the Chippie brand, while the government of Sint Maarten owns the remainder (12.5%)

Liberty Latin America, which consists of Chile's VTR, Cable & Wireless Communications and Liberty Puerto Rico, split off in January from Liberty Global and has said it is actively seeking an inorganic growth strategy to better position itself in the region.

The first acquisition, of 80% of Cabletica for approximately US$250mn was finalized in October. Liberty is seen to be going head to head with Millicom to position itself as the third largest regional telco after América Móvil and Telefónica. Liberty has an extensive presence in the Caribbean through Cable & Wireless.

According to the report, the sale of UTS Curaçao is separate from UTS Sint-Maarten. This branch is in discussion with Telem and possibly other strategic partners.

UTS serves the Dutch speaking Caribbean island territories of Curaçao, Bonaire, St. Maarten, St. Martin, St. Barths, St. Eustatius and Saba.